Routes of Migration

When enslavers moved west or sold people south, our ancestors travelled by coffle, wagon road, river boat and coastal ship. Explore the documented channels, including the Trail of Tears and the New Orleans slave manifests. Then trace your own family's route from records, oral history or careful reasoning.

Known ChannelsBuild a RouteCommunity Routes

All channelsLand trailsWater routes

1808–1860

Coastwise Domestic Slave Trade

1830s–1865

Gulf Route to Texas

1800–1860

Ohio & Mississippi River Trade

1800–1863

Natchez Trace & Forks of the Road

1806–1840s

The Federal Road

1740s–1800s

The Great Wagon Road

1810–1860

Overland Coffle Route: Virginia to the Lower South

1830–1850

Trail of Tears (Northern Route)

1820s–1865

El Camino Real de los Tejas

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Leaflet | © OpenStreetMap contributors

Solid lines are land trails and dashed lines are water routes. Paths are approximate.